Lawmakers criticized the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Friday after it claimed that Filipino families could prepare a simple Noche Buena meal for as low as ₱500, calling the statement “insulting” amid rising prices.

Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña said the claim was detached from reality.

“Kasya yan if you travel back in time! Habang nalulunod sa taas-presyo ang ating mga kababayan, nakakainsulto ang mga ganitong paandar,” Cendaña said in a social media post.

He added that DTI has been asserting since 2022 that ₱500 is enough for a decent Noche Buena for a family, but in reality, the figure falls short.

“Baka dun sa imaginary family ng DTI nag-OOMAD sila for the holiday season,” he quipped, referencing the agency’s repeated claim. Cendaña also urged the government to certify a ₱200 wage hike so that workers could at least afford to celebrate the holidays.

Meanwhile, Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon echoed the criticism, sarcastically asking, “Sa anong planeta kasya yung P500 para sa Noche Buena ng pamilyang Pilipino? Sa planeta ni Kokey,” highlighting how disconnected the DTI’s estimate is from ordinary Filipino households.

The controversy stems from an interview with DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, who said families could buy essential Noche Buena items such as ham, pasta, and ingredients for macaroni salad or spaghetti within ₱500, though the exact cost would depend on the number of diners.